Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1887-08-19


ligible to the common mind without a
key. Another prefers a design distin-
guished by mere beauty of form, delica-
cy of outline and dainty artistic concep-
ton and finish; while perhaps a third,
undertaking or insensble to the charm of
beautiful form and graceful outline.
would prefer a shapeless boulder symbol
izing nothing save endurance. From the
number of designs submitted by different
artists, the directors with entire unanmi-
ty and after careful deliberation solicit
ed the one we designed by Mr.. j. p. Rem
of Boston. 1t is believed that this design
meets every required demand. Its real
lied embodiment, standing upon solid
rock will rise, graceful in outline, mas
sive and maestic,in proportion, to the i'm
posing height of 300 feet; its summit COM
handing a view of the scenes so memoir
able. So standing, it will commend it.
self to the eye and Judgment of future
beholders as fitting memorial and SYM
Dol, both of the great event it is designed
to commemorate and the grand and her.
ole character of the men whose valor on
that August day so long ago made posi-
render at Saratoga in the succeeding Oc-
tober. And this brings me to notice very
briefly the historical Significance of the
battle of Bennington and the hearing it
had directly upon the fate of Burgoyne's
expedition, and more remotely, though
not less certainly, upon the result of the
then pending struggle between the col
onies and the mother country. | am not
unaware that this is well-worn theme.
The story of the battle, in which so many
of the citizens of this county took part, is
as familiar as household word. Indeed
bennington battle" are to them house
hold words.
The story has been oft told by sire to
son and grandsre to wondering grand
children gathered at his knee. 1t was
from these homes about us that so many
went out to meet and stay the invader.
1t is in many of these peaceful homes
that their kindred and descendants now
live. Here, too, annually, as the years
since III have flown, the jewellers in
this region have gathered and by appro-
pirate ceremonies observed the anniver-
sary of victory and deliverance.
1t has been to them almost as sacred as
the annual festival of the passover to the
Jews. At each recurring anniversary the
story has been rehearsed anew. 1t has
been a theme fruitful of imprisoned Or
atory and an inspiration to the poet, and
it has been embalmed by the historian.
What can | say more, or other, or better,
than what has been spoken and written
by your own, nay, or own, honored citi-
zen, the late Gov. Hall, whose interest
ill., and whose knowledge of, the early his
tory of this region was unmatched. We
miss, indeed. his venerable and benignant
presence here today, day which more
than any other he longed to see; and yet
the impress and impulse and inspiration
of his spirit has been felt at every step
in the progress of this association, and
abides with US today. | recall, also, the
wise caution as to brevity in the invita-
ton extended to me by your committee,
but the occasion seems to demand. with
liz the prescribed limits, a brief sketch of
the situation just prior to the battle and
notice of the effect of the victory, both
direct and remote.
The summer of III was season of
gloom and depression in the American
colonies. They were scattered, incoher-
ent and without funds and appliances ad-
equate to cope successfully with the rich
and powerful mother country. The
tories were exultant. The timid were
respondent. Burgoynes formidable ex-
petition, planned in London for the pur-
pose of cutting of New England from
the other colonies, was making its APP
parently resistless way southwark to its
goal. On the 9th of July he captured
Ticonderoga and on the next day he
struck and routed at Hubbardton the
rear guard of our retreating army. AT
this critical moment, when Burgoyne';
success seemed most assured, the Council
of Safety, then the provisional govern
ment of Vermont. appealed to Massachu
;etts and New Hampshire for aid in re,
pelling invasion of the western border
hus left open and defenceless.
Right nobly did those colonies RESPOND
10 the call, and "HO, to the borders
rang through the hills of New Hamp
shire and was echoed along the valleys
of Berkshire and Worcester. John Starl
With his stalwart men from the grant,
hills came marching across the noun
aims, and Col. Simmons rallied the mel
of Berkshire, among whom was the ma
ernal grandfather of the speaker anC
Warner and Herrick and Williams ant
Brush came also with their Vermonters
among them the paternal grandfather o